This highly enjoyable book is part Dungeons & Dragons, part Three Musketeers, and part Wizard of Oz. If I liked it this much as an adult, I can only imagine how much younger readers will enjoy the story of Manny, a boy dealing with the deaths of his parents, who is swept away to another world. Others have mentioned the great world-building, and I have to agree. ( )

Blade Singer was a wonderful adventure! Manny a young boy troubled after losing his parents is having a hard time at school and at home. One day while avoiding a meeting with someone he decides to go for a walk and ends up in a used bookstore. There he is whisked away from reality and plunged into a realm of complete fantasy- with witches, goblins, fae, thieves and a town that looks like the Renaissance festival come to life.
This story is wonderfully written, getting to know a little about Manny but really coming to know him through the adventure he begins and the changes in him throughout the plot, I really enjoyed it. The plot itself was interesting and captivating the whole time. There wasn't a moment where I wanted to put down the book - as a matter of fact, I read the whole thing in one sitting. The characters were fun and funny and I loved the setting. It was a great read for a relaxing evening. There was just enough action to keep me on my toes but not so much as to create anxiety in the reader. I loo forward to reading more from these authors.
Recommended to young readers, fantasy lovers, and those who love The Neverending Story or even Harry Potter. I found reminders of these books throughout - but in a good way :) Happy Reading! ( )